INFERENCE
Your friend says, “Whatever, it’s fine,” but crosses their arms and stops talking. How might they actually be feeling?
They may be upset, annoyed, or hurt, even though they said they're fine.
You're telling your friend a story, but they keep checking their phone. What could their body language be telling you?
They may be distracted, bored, or ready to end the conversation.
Your friend gets a 100 on a test and says, “Yeah, I totally failed.” Are they being serious?
No. They are probably being sarcastic or joking.
Your friend wants you to hang out, but you already have plans with your family. What could you say?
“I already have plans with my family, but maybe we can hang out another day.”
Your friend gets a haircut that you don't like. They ask, “Do you like it?” What could you say?
“It looks good on you!” or focus on something positive instead of saying you don't like it.
Your parents ask, “Did you finish your homework?” and you immediately avoid eye contact. What might they infer?
They might think you did not finish your homework or are nervous about admitting it.
Your teacher is speaking in a serious voice and has their arms crossed. Is this probably the right time to joke around? Why or why not?
No. Their serious voice and body language suggest they want students to focus.
Your mom sees your messy room and says, “Wow, this place is spotless.” What does she actually mean?
She means the room is very messy.
A friend tells you a secret and asks you not to tell anyone. What should you consider before sharing it with someone else?
Respect their privacy unless the secret involves someone being unsafe or in danger.
You notice your teacher has food stuck in their teeth. Would you announce it to the class? What could you do instead?
No. Quietly tell the teacher privately.
Your friend normally texts you every day, but suddenly leaves you on read for two days. What are 2 possible reasons why?
They could be busy, upset, forgot to respond, or haven't checked their phone.
You're joking around with your friend, but they stop laughing and say, “Okay…” What should you do next?
Stop or change the joke and check to see if your friend is okay.
Your friend texts you “bro 💀” after you tell them something embarrassing. What might they mean?
They might mean “I'm dead” because they think it's really funny, embarrassing, or unbelievable.
You're working on a group project and one person isn't doing their part. What's a respectful way to address it?
Talk to them privately and say something like, “Hey, we still need your part of the project. Can you finish it by tomorrow?”
Your friend gets a lower grade than you on a test. Would saying “I got a 100!” be a good response? Why or why not?
No. It could make your friend feel worse. A better response would be, “You'll get it next time” or “How do you feel about your grade?”
Your coach keeps looking at the clock and says, “We have five minutes left.” What can you infer about what the team should be doing?
The team should start wrapping up and getting ready to finish practice.
You are talking to someone who keeps stepping backward while you're standing very close to them. What might they be communicating without saying it?
They may be uncomfortable with how close you are, so you should give them more personal space.
Someone says, “That's actually crazy,” after hearing your weekend plans. Does “crazy” necessarily mean something is literally insane? What could it mean?
No. It could mean surprising, wild, unbelievable, or unusual.
Your friend is upset because you hung out with another friend without inviting them. How could you respond?
“I'm sorry you feel left out. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.” Then explain the situation calmly.
Someone in your class gives an answer you think is wrong. What could you do instead of saying, “That's stupid”?
Say something respectful like, “I see it differently,” or politely explain your answer.
Your friends are making plans for Friday and stop talking when you walk over. What are some possible explanations? Why shouldn't you automatically assume they're talking about you?
They could be talking about a private topic, making plans, or discussing something unrelated to you. You don't know for sure that they're talking about you.
You're telling your parents about something that happened at school. They stop smiling and start asking lots of questions. What might their reaction tell you?
They may be concerned or worried and want more information about what happened.
Your coach says, “Great job, guys,” in an annoyed tone after the team makes the same mistake again. Is this probably genuine praise or sarcasm? How can you tell?
It is probably sarcasm. The annoyed tone and repeated mistake show the coach isn't genuinely praising them.
Two of your friends are arguing and both want you to take their side. What could you say or do instead of choosing a side?
Don't automatically take a side. Listen to both people and encourage them to work it out directly.
Your friend tells you they're excited about something, but you don't care about the topic. What could you say or ask to keep the conversation going?
Ask a question or show interest, such as, “That's exciting! What happened?”